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Old 11-24-2010, 04:49 PM
 
69 posts, read 140,677 times
Reputation: 40

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We've read all the other threads on city-data about the drive, but my wife is still really stressed about driving the Alcan.

My wife and I are planning on moving to Fairbanks AK from Louisiana in late December. She has been flipping out thinking that we have a good chance to die / get seriously maimed on the trip. I have never driven in the snow and she has 3 times, for a short distance.

We will be driving a 1999 Chevy Silverado 4x4 with studded Altimax Artic snow tires:

General Altimax Arctic

The tires on the truck are too big for chains as they will damage the vehicle because of lack of clearance.

We plan on towing a 12 foot uhaul trailer with our belongings. Should we have chains for the trailer just in case? We also plan on driving 24/7 in shifts and making the drive in 4 days.

Am I endangering my family? Or are the risks remote if we are well prepared and drive slowly?

Thanks
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Old 11-24-2010, 05:00 PM
 
Location: Lyon, France, Whidbey Island WA
20,834 posts, read 17,096,694 times
Reputation: 11535
You are asking a good question. Tire choice is excellent by the way. Forget 24/7. It is dangerous in the dark. Frequently large animals (larger than your vehicle) use nights for migrating. The "road" in Canada and Alaska is a two land narrow with frost heaves. In the daytime you can see them coming by the little orange flags on the side of the road (Canada). The heaves can throw you sideways easily. Weather is unpredictable.

Honestly I think you would do fine with 2 adjustments: (And it would be fun)
1) Driving in daylight hours.
2) Ship the belongings lose the trailer.

Thats my .02.
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Old 11-24-2010, 05:05 PM
 
Location: Anchorage
4,061 posts, read 9,883,131 times
Reputation: 2351
Learn some of the basics of driving on ice and snow, such as how NOT to brake, etc. I don't blame you for being nervous. I would be too!
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Old 11-24-2010, 05:12 PM
 
Location: Valdez, Alaska
2,758 posts, read 5,287,010 times
Reputation: 2806
Quote:
Originally Posted by hc5831 View Post
We also plan on driving 24/7 in shifts and making the drive in 4 days.
Can you take more time and make it a more pleasant and safer trip? I don't think most people would be able to get enough rest just sleeping in a car to drive safely day after day. And I wouldn't recommend driving in the dark if you can avoid it at all. There are more twists and turns in the highways up here than you're probably used to and visibility can be challenging at times. Plus, the wildlife up here is a lot bigger than in Louisiana, and likes to hang out on or near the roads. We drove up to Fairbanks from here last weekend and had to avoid a moose on the way up and a herd of 6 caribou on the way back. Canada has even more big critters than Alaska, like bison and elk.
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Old 11-24-2010, 05:31 PM
 
Location: Palmer
2,519 posts, read 7,032,359 times
Reputation: 1395
What Aadad said. Ship your stuff and lose the trailer. Don't do 24/7 but I don't think you can hardly holp driving in the dark that time of year. But try to time your stops so that you do as little of it as possible.

If you must drive in the dark get some extra lighting that will light up the road like the sun...seriously.
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Old 11-24-2010, 06:28 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
21,368 posts, read 38,123,667 times
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How to Drive to Alaska in the Winter - ExploreNorth

Do not drive between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake at night, this is the Northern Rockies. Lots of twists and turns, most of them are blind corners.
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Old 11-24-2010, 06:49 PM
 
Location: Big Island- Hawaii, AK, WA where the whales are!
1,490 posts, read 4,182,129 times
Reputation: 796
Listen to the posts very important. For me Washington to Seward in 4 days is rough. DONT DRIVE AT NIGHT, for sure Fort Nelson to Watson Lake as Warptman says. Animals all over and some really bad turns with drop off cliffs along with right next to the lake strecht. Take more time. Good luck! The way it is looking you will be driving plenty of snow before you even get to Seattle.
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Old 11-24-2010, 06:55 PM
 
Location: Lyon, France, Whidbey Island WA
20,834 posts, read 17,096,694 times
Reputation: 11535
Lets give him credit. He has superior tires.
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Old 11-24-2010, 07:03 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
21,368 posts, read 38,123,667 times
Reputation: 13901
The Canadians take great care of the highway in winter, it's a vital highway for both the States and Canada. The road crews are out in force to keep the roads clear of snow and sanded/pea graveled to keep up the traction. Sell as much things as you can and buy new when you get here. I'd lose the trailer, too.

Drive BC BC Roads

Canada and United States Travel - Highway and Road Conditions, Weather, Airports, Ferries, Traffic and Transit

Current Road Conditions - Highways and Public Works - Government of Yukon
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